Develop an in-depth understanding of how media work across a variety of social, cultural, economic and political contexts
Assess how media are linked to forces of globalisation, political institutions, global responses to war and conflict, and environmental challenges, amongst others
Explore the roles of new information and communication technologies, their opportunities and challenges, their democratic potential and their regulation
Consider issues of citizenship, race, gender, ethnicity and class are shaping contemporary forms of news media content
To offer knowledge and expertise for a career in the journalism, media and communication industries or as a foundation for PhD research.
This programme is NOT designed as a vocational degree and does not provide training in Journalism. Students should not consider this degree as a professional qualification towards becoming a journalist.
Special Features:
Designed both for those with no previous experience in journalism and for mid-career journalism practitioners wanting a period of reflection upon and study of the profession to deepen understanding of journalism practice.
It aims to promote an awareness of the place and importance of journalism in the contemporary world, and in local and global contexts.
The course attracts students from all over the world, providing a rich and diverse environment for academic study and critique.
Course Description
The programme focuses on the academic study of journalism, but also offers opportunities for the development of professional skills through optional modules in the second semester and through research. The degree provides insights into how journalism is changing in a globalised context, exploring key debates and issues in journalism studies today. The degree also provides training in the use of a range of research skills in journalism studies, to support academic scholarship in their chosen field of journalism studies.
Available Modules:
Students will study the following areas:
Introduction to Journalism Studies
Politics of Global Communication
Putting Research into Practice
Mediatised Conflicts: The Politics of Conflict Reporting
Optional modules include:
Media Law
New Media & Politics
Reporting Business, Finance & Economics
Insurgency into the 21st Century
Global Crisis Reporting
In the Editor’s Chair, International Relations for Journalists
Reporting Health and Science
Development Communications
Course Structure
The taught component of the course amounts to 120 credits. Students complete this across two semesters (Autumn and Spring) from the end of September to the beginning of June. Students are then required to submit a dissertation at the end of August. The dissertation carries 60 credits.
Skills Acquired:
The MA provides up-to-date research skills to collect, evaluate, synthesise and interpret qualitative and quantitative data and to carry out original research. It equips students with investigation skills in areas such as content analysis, interviews, surveys, and digital methods. Further, it allows students to develop presentation skills, the ability to share insights and findings cogently with peers, competence in information search and retrieval, and proficiency in both verbal and written modes with respect to reviewing and marshalling academic positions and developing an engaged point of view
Entry Requirements:
Suitable for graduates in the humanities and Social Sciences with appropriate disciplinary specialisations.
Applicants should possess a higher education degree of at least lower second class honours (2:2), or a non-UK qualification recognised by the University as being equivalent to this. This requirement may be waived for candidates with relevant professional qualifications or experience.
In addition, applicants whose first language is not English must obtain a British Council IELTS score of at least 7.0, or an equivalent English language qualification. However, applicants with an IELTS score of 6.5 will be considered provided they undertake and successfully complete the University’s eight-week pre-sessional English course.
Available Funding
School Scholarships for Overseas Students
One £7,000 Scholarship is available
Requirements
To be eligible for the award above, applicants must:
Hold a degree of at least first class, or upper second class honours standard or equivalent to that standard. This requirement may be waived for candidates with relevant professional experience
Demonstrate oral and written fluency in English. A minimum score of 7.0 in the International English Language Test (IELTS) is required.
Be classified as an overseas student for fees purposes. Â It is not possible to be awarded a scholarship in addition to a full award from a separate body.
Notes:Next intake: September/ February each year
